Former Microsoft executive Joachim Kempin has brutally laid into CEO Steve Ballmer, accusing him of stifling younger potential rivals who could have benefited the business and being too out of touch with the audience.

Microsoft's Steve Ballmer has pledged that his company will "leave no stone unturned" when it comes to the technology battle with Apple, adamantly stating that Microsoft will look to engage in all mediums, across all platforms, to ensure strong competition.

Compared to the PS3, the Xbox 360 is decidedly lacking in multi-media features. You've got Sky, sure; Netflix in North America, too; and the Zune Pass, which allows you to load and listen to music. It's not exactly streamlined, however, and a lot of it is premium; ergo, at a cost. However, it appears Microsoft is set to bolster the 360's musical options, with Xbox Music set for release at the end of the year.

[UPDATE: Microsoft has suggested that this information is "inaccurate," and that Ballmer was just referring to the existing Zune music functionality. We'll keep you posted. - Ed]

Microsoft head honcho Steve Ballmer has received his first public call to stand down as CEO. Hedge fund manager David Einhorn accused Ballmer of being 'stuck in the past'. As the original Reuters report noted, there have been disapproving rumblings concerning Ballmer for some time, but this is the most public, most pointed criticism thus far.

'His continued presence is the biggest overhang on Microsoft's stock,' maintained Einhorn.

Apple surpassed Microsoft to become the biggest tech company in the USA last year and, only two weeks ago, Microsoft was overtaken again, this time in market shares by IBM for the first time in 15 years.